Work Text:
Something was wrong.
The alarms ringing in Dick’s head came less from a physical sense of danger and rather from a deep ache within his bones as he entered his apartment that evening. It was like the smell of petrichor before rain, except, nothing in his apartment was touched. The windows lining the living room were closed, the mess he’d left—the littered take out containers on the coffee table, his unfolded laundry from a week ago, and the dirty dishes in the sink—unmoved. Not like a seasoned assassin would bother with those anyways, though it would be nice for someone to clean his mess before they made another.
Dick reached for the closet beside his front door where he kept two steel pipes in case of emergencies. If this was a petty thief or a kidnapping attempt, he couldn’t be caught with his escrima sticks lest he be left floundering for an explanation on how he got his hands on Nightwing’s weapons. His capability to defend himself could be attributed to his past experience as a cop, that wasn’t what he worried about. What he really dreaded was how soured his evening was about to get.
After a sleepless night of trying to track down a string of missing victims—only to come up with scraps of a lead—and working an eight-hour shift teaching ten year olds gymnastics, he’d been hoping to come home, order some pizza, and put on a movie from Steph’s long list of ‘MUST WATCH BEFORE YOU DIE (again, Jason)’ before patrol. But of course, the universe had different plans for him.
He kept to the edge of the room, each step nearly a phantom of the other. His suspicions were confirmed when a stream of yellow light poured from his cracked bedroom door. There was muttering. Dick slowed his breathing and peered through the small opening. His periphery, while narrowed, could make out the faint shadow of a person in his attached bathroom. Dick slipped into the room in a defensive stance.
“Shit, shit, shit, shit,” he heard someone curse under their breath.
Dick knew that someone.
“Jason?” Dick barged into the bathroom, heart hammering against his ribcage.
Jason, with his helmet tossed haphazardly beside him, had two gloved hands applying pressure to a near unconscious Tim’s abdomen. Blood blossomed from a wound at Tim’s side, soaking through his Red Robin suit. Jason looked up at Dick, brows set in both worry and annoyance. “Don’t just stand there, dickhead. I need help.”
Dick dropped the steel pipes and ran to Tim’s side. Tim, who he hadn’t seen since he took Robin away from him. Tim, who’d disappeared from Gotham after Dick didn’t believe him when he said Bruce was alive. Tim, who was now lying on his bathroom floor, dying.
No, Tim isn’t dying. Get that out of your head.
Dick reached for the first aid kit under his bathroom sink. “What happened?”
Tim groaned from where he lay, a sardonic smile showing bloodied teeth spread along his features. “Got shot. How’s your day going?”
Dick turned to Jason for an explanation.
“Two bullet’s. One pierced the Kevlar, the other broke through it. It’s still lodged inside. Got any painkillers?”
“None that’ll thin his blood. I got lidocaine for stitches but…” Dick trailed off, Jason already understanding the words left unsaid.
They had to take out the bullet and it was going to hurt like hell.
“Just…do it already,” Tim struggled to say. “Getting stabbed was worse.”
Dick’s head whipped in Tim’s direction. “When did you get stabbed?”
“Later.” Jason shoved him backwards. “Get me that lidocaine.”
Dick bolted for his closet. It may not provide full relief, but if the lidocaine could make it just a bit easier on Tim, then it’s what they had to go with. Dick came back with a syringe and a small clear bottle. He inserted the needle and filled it up before handing it to Jason.
“Sorry, Timbo, this is going to suck.”
Jason spread the medication onto the wound and Tim hissed. “Cold.”
“Like you can see the light cold or just that the lidocaine’s cold?”
Tim tried for a scoff that came out more like a wheeze. “I’m not dying. That’s your thing.”
Jason rolled his eyes. “You die one time and people hold it over your head for the rest of your life.”
“Hey, it could be worse,” Dick chimed in.
“You could’ve done something really humiliating like get your wallet stolen by a kid and be forced to wear a pocket chain.”
“That’s not humiliating, that was just plain stupid, Dick,” Tim muttered.
Dick tried for a smile, but Jason gave him a look that said ‘we’ve got to do this now’. Dick bit the inside of his cheek and grabbed a hand towel. “You’re going to want something to bite down on.” He wound up the towel and gingerly placed it into Tim’s mouth.
Tim stared up at him like a deer in the headlights. He’d gone card-stock white, the sweat beading on his forehead, and the trembling hands indicating his worsening condition. Dick hesitated for a moment, then held out his hand for Tim to take.
For a terrifying second, he thought Tim wasn’t going to take it. He wouldn’t have blamed him. Even in his near-death state, he should still hate Dick for what he’d done. When Bruce was presumed dead, the responsibility of not only caring for Damian fell onto him, but the weight of the Batman cowl itself. Dick was overwhelmed with all the choices he had to make. He wanted to protect his family, he wanted to support Damian, he wanted everything to be right.
But it wasn’t, and back then, he hadn’t made the best choices. He didn’t regret making Damian Robin, but he did regret the way he handled the conversation with Tim. He should’ve explained the situation better, should’ve made Tim feel wanted and needed. All Dick wished was the best for his family, and Tim deserved the world. Not one where Dick robbed him of his title and left him in the gutter. Now, seeing his brother in such a frail state, Dick regretted never attempting to reconcile the relationship. He should’ve reached out sooner, should’ve tried to make amends. In their line of work, all it took was one lucky shot from some idiot for their relationship to forever be severed.
Dick’s gaze slid askance to Jason. Didn’t he learn his lesson the first time?
Not even a second later, Tim’s hand was slipping into his. Dick stared down at his brother’s weak hold and squeezed tight. “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
“You shouldn’t go saying that. Promises are meant to be broken, you know.”
“Not this one.” They locked eyes, the lucidity leaving Tim’s gaze long enough for him to let those words sink in. For the first time in a long time, it seemed like Tim trusted him.
Dick turned to Jason, a silent understanding passing between them. “Alright, deep breath in three, two—“ Jason stuck the forceps into the wound before he could say one. Tim let out a howl, his grip iron-clad in Dick’s as tears streaked down his soot-covered face, leaving a clean track. Jason was grinding his teeth, his hands as still as they could be while he searched for the bullet. Before he could take it out, there was a gasp, and Tim went limp against Dick’s grasp.
“Jason––”
“Shut up,” he ground out. Another beat, then, “Got it.”
Jason pulled out the forceps, taking the blood soaked bullet with it. Dick was far from relieved. “Stitch him up. I’ve got some saline bags and a drip set.” He rushed for his closet again and sorted through his medical supplies. Clear head. Keep a clear head, he reminded himself.
“Did Alfred goad you into pimping out your medical kit to have a goddamn miniature batcave in your apartment?”
“Yup. It’s not easy being a lone wolf out here, and guess what? He was right.” Banter. This was good. This was helpful.
“Lone wolf?” Jason scoffed. “You’ve got the Titans.”
“Shhh. Lone wolf. Just like Batman and his bajillion kids.” Dick returned with his supplies and started setting Tim up with fluids while Jason finished stitching. His jaw clenched at the sight of Tim’s shallow rise and fall of his chest. “We need to call Oracle.”
“No,” Tim’s slurred voice came through. His eyes were fluttering open, head swiveling from side to side.
Jason placed a hand on his shoulder. “Stay still. No one’s calling anyone.”
Dick shook his head. “He’ll need a blood transfusion. Only the batcave—“
“Bruce can’t find out.”
Dick fell quiet, too many questions racing through his head, but the only thing that mattered then was Tim. If he didn’t want Bruce involved, then they’ll find another way to help. Dick wasn’t going to betray Tim’s trust again. He sucked in a deep breath. “Fine. Help me get him out of these clothes and into bed. Then you’re going to tell me exactly what happened.”
***
It was simple. Jason came to Blüdhaven looking for Dick. It’s everything that came after that got messy.
Over the past week, the homeless kids that hung around Jason’s usual crime alley routes were missing. For the first few days, it wasn’t something he caught wind of. Kids in crime alley were always moving. They had to. Each moment of their day was a fight for survival. When they would get their next meal, where they would sleep, how they would get by—those were the constants on their minds. Jason liked to bring them food or clothes when he could to ease those constants, but with each day he swung by the area with no sight of those kids, he grew worried.
“Looking for someone, sugar?”
One of the working girls had been sidled up against the mouth of the alleyway, taking a drag from a cigarette.
Jason took off his helmet and propped it under his arm, the white streak in his hair curling over his domino mask. “You got one to spare?” He nodded to her cigarette. She pulled out the box from her purse and offered it to him. Jason took the cigarette and pulled out a lighter.
“Stressful night?” she’d asked.
Jason blew out a cloud of smoke. “Nothing out of the ordinary.” He’d leaned against the wall, rolling the cigarette between his fingers. “Do you know anything about those kids that like to hang around here?”
The girl stared at him with a sort of curiosity. “Interesting you brought them up. One of the girls at the club was talking about them earlier. Said they saw a few of those kids being rounded up into a black car a few nights ago. Thought it was CPS or something. She’s not all that bright sometimes, so we didn’t know what to think of it. Then another one of the girl’s mentions her neighbor’s kid’s been missing. A runaway, she thought. Now, I’m not so sure.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed. He hadn’t liked the sound of that. When a homeless kid disappears, people assume there’s no one to miss them—that it’s an easy coverup. Except, these are crime alley kids, and crime alley kids are known for making connections to survive. There will be always someone who notices their absence. “And what are you thinking now?”
The girl had dropped her cigarette and crushed it beneath her foot. “That something bad happened to those kids and I’m hoping you can do something about it.” She’d stepped up to Jason and ran a finger down the collar of his jacket. “Find them, yeah? They’re real sweethearts around here.”
With that, she’d turned around and left.
It took Jason two days to gather more intel on the kids. There weren’t many eyewitnesses. None but those who lurk in the shadows in the odd hours of the night seeking either a high or a way.
It was a case that consumed him. He needed to find those kids before something happened to them. But with each passing hour, he grew more restless. He didn’t want to think about the worst case scenario—of how these kids might’ve been trafficked or experimented on—but each thought haunted him. He’d lost track of time during the day. He’d barely slept and eaten. So, when it came to patrol that night, it wasn’t a surprise that he was starving.
Dick would be up his ass right now if he knew he was neglecting himself. That’s what solidified Jason’s decision to grab some food, though he’d never tell Dick that. It was more of an ‘I should probably eat so I don’t pass out’ sort of ordeal.
Jason headed to the 24/7 Batburger where the poor, weary cashier didn’t even bat an eye (no pun intended) at his presence when he ordered. It was pretty dead in the restaurant. The only sound being the sizzling grills and a radio one of the employees had on that was spitting out some podcast. He wasn’t paying much attention to it, really. Not until Blüdhaven was mentioned.
Is it even surprising to hear that the BPD’s doing nothing about these missing person’s cases?
Dude, with the corrupt institution’s we’ve got, nothing surprises me anymore.
You think Nightwing’s on the case?
The minute that burger was in his hands, Jason was running out of the restaurant for his bike. No wonder he hasn’t heard from Dick in days. When he wasn’t working an intense case, he was blowing up his phone asking for a movie night or spamming him with nonsense he found on the internet.
It was a long shot, but maybe the missing person’s cases in Blüdhaven were linked to the one’s here in Gotham. It wasn’t unusual for rouge’s to leave their territories, though it wasn’t common. Rouge’s liked familiarity, they had their routines, they reveled in their home base. Maybe leaving Gotham was to avoid Batman’s careful eye.
But to enter Blüdhaven was to fall under Nightwing’s.
The ride wasn’t long. Sure, Jason probably should’ve given Dick a head’s up that he was heading over, but surprising his older brother was always such fun. He’d reached Dick’s apartment and stowed his bike away, ready to climb his fire escape, when the whizz of a grapple sounded.
A dark figure leapt across the rooftops, but the flash of red and yellow told Jason that it wasn’t Dick. Jason had followed the figure until he stopped on a rooftop overlooking the harbor. He’d disguised himself in the shadows, hawk-eyes locked on the warehouse across.
Jason landed behind him. “What’s a little birdy like you doing so far away from the nest?”
Within an instant, Tim’s bö staff was pointed at Jason’s face. The boy gave Jason a blank stare before his stance broke. “What are you doing here?” he groaned.
“Hey, I asked first.”
Tim gestured to the warehouse. “Working. Clearly.”
“Does Batsy know you’re out here?” Tim didn’t answer. Jason laughed. “No, he doesn’t. Wow, bird brain. I never thought you’d go behind his back. Color me impressed.”
“Are you done? I’ve got a case to work.”
“Ouch. Talk about cold shoulder.” Jason crouched down beside Tim. “I’m guessing you’re here for the same reason I am.”
“You’re searching for the stolen Wayne Tech?”
Jason opened his mouth, then closed it. “Well, shit. Never mind.”
“Figured. You’re looking for those missing people then. I’m surprised Nighwing asked for your help.” Tension captured Tim’s shoulders. Looks like they still weren’t on good terms then.
“Actually, kids in Crime Alley have been going missing. I heard Dickwing’s having the same problem out here and decided to pay a visit. Never made it to his place though. Spotted you first.”
“Huh.” Tim overlooked the harbor, eyes narrowing. His thinking face.
“What’s this about stolen Wayne Tech?” Tim glanced at him warily, seeming like he was debating how much to tell him. “Look, I didn’t come here to bum off intel. If our cases are somehow linked, maybe it’d be good idea to…collaborate.” Jason recoiled at saying the word.
In all honesty, he didn’t know how he felt about Tim. The kid was smart without a doubt, but aside from the fact that he’d replaced him as Robin months after he’d died, Tim thought too much like Bruce. He idolized the man while Jason was infuriated by him. It made it difficult to work in the same circles when it felt like the ever so loyal Tim was going to run back to Bruce and tattle.
Maybe he wasn’t right in his assumptions. After all, here Tim was, behind Bruce’s back for whatever reason, on a solo mission. Maybe the kid was finally understanding that the only way to play the game was to bend the rules. Or maybe, Bruce finally fucked up and Tim had enough.
Tim sighed. “About a week ago, someone got their hands on some neuro-tech Wayne Enterprises was developing. It was meant to help surgeons working with patients who have brain trauma from accidents, concussions, that sort of stuff. Well, someone else had their eyes on it for some reason.”
“I’m assuming you have a few theories.”
“None that I like, honestly. I’m starting to think that whoever stole the neuro-tech has kidnapped a few people to use as experimental subjects. Though, why they’d operate out of Blüdhaven, I’m not sure.”
Jason tilted his head to one side. “This seems like a Batman case.”
“Or maybe Batman’s got other rouge’s to handle and thought he could trust me with this.”
“Then why doesn’t he know you’re out here?” Tim’s mouth shut real quick. Cornered, Jason thought. “Look, I’m not gonna snitch. In fact, pissing off Batman makes my night. But if what you’re saying is right, this is a big operation, and you’re going to need help.”
“When did Red Hood become a team player?”
“I don’t need a depressed Nightwing hovering over my shoulder if you died.” Jason shrugged. “Besides, then you’d owe me a favor that I can cash in whenever I want.”
“Joy.”
Jason clapped a hand on his shoulder. “That’s the spirit. Now tell me what we’re working with.”
They should’ve asked for more help.
They shouldn’t have gone in alone.
And the way Dick glowered at him in the darkness of his apartment told Jason everything he needed to know.
They’d severely fucked up.
***
Yes, Tim wasn’t supposed to be in Blüdhaven. Bruce thought he was patrolling his usual Red Robin grounds. Except, a week ago, Lucius had informed Tim that top secret Wayne Enterprise tech had gone missing. Of course, Bruce took the Batman route immediately, but he’d wanted Tim to stay out of it.
“You have three meetings in the morning and Tam says you’re slacking on your workload. Go to bed.”
“It’ll be easier if you had another pair of eyes looking over this. I can head back to the lab, see what I can find—“
“No.”
“Bruce—“
“End of discussion.”
Bruce had left him in the empty shell of the cave after that. Tim remembered just standing there. No. There was another reason Bruce wasn’t letting him work on this case. Not because of work or his wellbeing. Bruce was horrible at expressing his emotions, but Tim knew that Bruce pulled away when he didn’t want to address something fragile.
Dread stirred in the pit of his stomach. Did Bruce think he couldn’t handle this case? That he’d be more of a burden?
Ever since Damian became Robin, Tim felt like he’d become nothing but a shadow to everyone around him. Once, he used to take lead on missions, now Bruce turned to Damian when he needed an extra set of hands if Dick wasn’t around. Tim was tired of fading into the background. So, he thought he could jump on this case behind Bruce’s back. He could find the missing Wayne tech, put the culprit’s in jail, prove that he was still useful.
But of course, nothing’s ever what it seems, and his plans had derailed very quickly.
Jason was a variable he hadn’t counted for. Within minutes, he had to rearrange his plans to account for another piece on the board. Sure, an extra set of hands would be great, but he couldn’t always pinpoint Jason’s moves. He was unpredictable, and while Tim was well versed in having to deal with the unpredictable, the unknowns always made him anxious.
So, there they were, on top of the warehouse peering into the skylight. It was murky inside due to the sea salt coating the glass, though, they were able to make out large crates being guarded like it was Blackgate.
“The missing Wayne tech?” Jason asked.
“Yup. But with how large the crates are, I’m assuming there’s more to it. Let’s go in.”
Using the shadows along the rafters to conceal themselves, they slipped into the warehouse. At the far end of the large building, more goods were being unloaded. Large metal sheets and headsets that Tim identified as the stolen Wayne Tech.
“They’re building something,” Jason muttered.
“Using the neuro-tech. Not good.”
“Mind control gateway drug?”
“For sure.”
Jason cracked his knuckles. “Then lets’s get this show on the road—“ he was cut off by a door being opened. Out came two guards armed with heavy artillery. Five kids—no older than twelve or thirteen—trailed behind them. “The Crime Alley kids,” Jason whispered. His hands tightened around his guns.
“Hold,” Tim hissed. “If you go in, guns blazing, those kids could get hurt.”
“I know that. I’m not an idiot.”
“We need a distraction.” Tim considered his options. “How fast do you think you can get to those kids?”
While Tim couldn’t see Jason’s features from beneath his helmet, he could hear the hesitation in his voice. “You wanna play bait?”
“I have an idea. I’ll distract.”
“Got it.” Jason veered off while Tim searched for a beam directly in front of the overhead lights.
Here goes nothing.
Tim stood tall. With his two pointer fingers, he placed them over his head and allowed himself to step into the light. The shadow that cast onto the floor looked very much like Batman’s.
He was clocked immediately. “It’s the freaking bat!”
“Fire!”
Bullets sprayed in his direction. Tim threw his cape up and took cover behind one of the rafters. He freed two smoke bombs from his belt and threw them. The impact brought a cloud of gray smoke and confused shouts from the guards who were trying to navigate past. The firing stopped, the risk of the guards shooting each other too great.
Tim expanded his staff and hopped down from the beam he was on. It was easy reverting to his training as he swung and jabbed, knocking out guards left and right. I can do this, he thought. They could free the hostages. He can recover the Wayne Tech. Bruce would be proud of him, though maybe a bit angry that he went behind his back.
“Red Robin!” Jason’s voice called from the chaos. Tim saw the red of Jason’s helmet. He was carrying two kids, the other three trailing behind him.
“Get them out of here,” Tim commanded as he knocked out another guard.
“Exits are blocked.”
Tim cursed under his breath. He found the skylight and the glass pane they’d snuck through. “Grapple up to the roof.”
“We’ll be out in the open.”
“Any other ideas?”
Jason had made a noise, but didn’t object. He’d put down one of the kids and grappled up, taking two at a time. Tim wanted to follow him up, but he’d only be able to carry two of them. He didn’t want to leave the third kid behind.
Before he could come to a conclusion, one of the kids shouted. Tim pivoted around to find a guard with a gun pointed at the kids. Tim’s eyes widened. He immediately threw his cape up and lunged for the kids just as the man fired.
For a long, painful minute, Tim thought it was all over. Then, a blur of red descended from the ceiling. Jason who’d landed on the man and knocked the lights out of him, shouting, “Hurry!” while grabbing one of the kids. Tim went for the other two, one climbing on his back while he carried the other. Before they knew it, they were on the roof.
Tim set the kid’s down gently. “I need to go back for the Wayne Tech. The guard’s are down, and if we leave now, they’ll mobilize out of here. Their base has already been compromised. You get them out of here.”
Tim was ready to head back in when white hot pain flared in his side. He restrained a gasp, hand reaching for his abdomen, fingers coming away red with fresh blood.
“Don’t be an idiot. You can’t go in alone.”
Jason’s voice sounded so far away then. Tim wanted to admit that he was right, that he needed to pull back, but the voices in his head kept stringing from one thought to the next, all whispering words of failure. Tim swallowed and covered his wound with his cape. “I’ve got this.”
Jason never got to object. Tim was already reentering the sight of chaos. In the short lapse they were away, what Wayne Tech that could be salvaged was being loaded onto a truck. The guards were already hopping into the driver’s side.
“No!” Tim launched himself onto the truck using his Bö staff just before the guards could close the loading zone.
The first guard went down in one fell swoop, but the other pulled out a knife and was putting up a fight. As the truck started moving, Tim had to keep his balance while dodging the weapon with his already injured side. The pain worsened, each shift further chafing his insides. It slowed him down enough that the guard caught his arm. Tim shouted and staggered backward. Black dots peppered his vision. Tim braced himself against his staff, the world spinning immensely fast.
The guard chuckled. “Looks like a little birdy bit off more than he could chew.” With a solid kick to the chest, Tim went flying off the truck and into the road.
All he felt was pain. In his abdomen, in his arm, the way the world spun, and the way his mind spoke. He couldn’t muster the strength to get up again, and before he knew it, Tim was sliding into the darkness with one thought in mind: I failed.
It was the last thing he remembered before everything went quiet. Part of him almost wished he wouldn’t wake up again. That failure was almost worse to him than dying.
***
His skull ached. Tim groaned. The world that had been dark moments before was now coming into focus. Moonlight cast the room in blue tones, and he noticed he was in a bed. An IV was stuck into his arm, a makeshift drip stand beside him. Immediately, his Robin training kicked in. He assessed the room. Two windows behind him, a small desk in the corner, an evidence board covering half the wall above it. It was the Superman tee and pajama pants he was swimming in that jogged his memory. This was Dick’s room.
Great.
Tim sat up, a piercing pain shooting from his side. He lifted the shirt to find white gauze patched around his waist. He grazed his fingers over the wound and winced at how tender it was. Yeah, that’s right. He’d been shot. His head fell back. Bruce was going to kill him. He didn’t know where Tim was—Tim was smart enough to deactivate his tracker before going rogue—but Bruce was going to have a fit when he doesn’t return to the Batcave tonight.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. Tim wanted to punch himself. He’d been so stupid to think any of this would work. He thought he was better. He thought he could do this. If he was just careful enough, maybe if Red Hood hadn’t shown, maybe, maybe, maybe—
Low voices came from the other room. Dick and Jason, without a doubt. Tim sat up, wincing in effect. He didn’t want Jason telling Dick everything. While he still cared for Dick, Tim didn’t forgive him for what he’d done to him all those months ago. He didn’t think Jason would bring him to Dick’s apartment when he got hurt, but it was the only other logical option. Red Robin couldn’t show up in a hospital, after all.
Tim gingerly swung his legs off the bed. He removed the IV with careful fingers and took in a deep breath. He could do this. He could face Dick and the consequences of his failed mission. He could go home and explain to Bruce that he was as incompetent as he thought—that maybe he was no longer needed. He had to because there was no other option for him.
He pushed himself off the bed, not realizing how weak he was, and braced himself against the wall to avoid toppling over. Slowly, he made his way to the door where the voices became louder. It was cracked open. He peered into the living room where he could only see Dick.
“I thought you and Tim couldn’t stand each other. Now you’re working together behind my back? Why didn’t you ask for help?” Dick’s fists were balled, the exasperation on his face palpable. Jason didn’t answer Dick. His face fell. “He didn’t want my help, did he?”
“Do you blame him? You replaced him the same way Bruce replaced me. That shit stings.”
Dick flinched like he’d been punched. He turned away from Jason, hands running through his hair. What Jason couldn’t see was the remorse in Dick’s expression. The way he scrubbed his face like he could wipe the memory of what had happened. It made Tim…feel bad.
You replaced him the same way Bruce replaced me. Tim had never thought about it in that context, but…Jason was right. Was this his karmic retribution?
The silence grew deafening, until Jason shouted, “Tim, we can see your shadow. Stop eavesdropping.”
Tim sighed and opened the door. “I wasn’t eavesdropping.”
“You shouldn’t be up.” Dick immediately rushed to Tim’s side. “You’re going to pull your stitches.”
“Been there, done that, lived.” One time, he pulled all his stitches when facing Ra’s goons. That was pretty bad considering he had just gotten his spleen yoinked out.
Huh, maybe he should get some antibiotics to make up for that.
“Could you at least sit down?” Dick gestured to the sofa. “I don’t care if you’ve had your stitches pulled out before. I don’t want to see you bleeding out again.”
His features were soft, voice gentle. Tim remembered one of the last things Dick told him before he passed out. You’re going to be okay. I promise. There had been a desperation in his tone, a plea for Tim to get better. Sure, it wasn’t nice to see anyone bleeding out on your bathroom floor, but it had been so long since he’d seen Dick so worried for him. He didn’t think he cared for him anymore.
“Okay,” Tim relented. He took a seat on the sofa. Jason was in the kitchen, grabbing him a glass of water. Tim drank a generous amount before handing it back to him.
“Tim,” Dick began.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
He frowned. “I was going to ask how you’re feeling.”
“Oh.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, which caused a sharp pinch in his side. Tim dropped his arm. “As good as you can feel after getting shot.”
“Jay made you some food. Are you hungry?”
“No.”
Dick’s hands clenched and unclenched, looking for the right words to say, but Tim didn’t want to hear it. All he wanted was to disappear.
“I’m not mad at you,” Dick began. Tim stared at his feet, heat rushing to his face. “You don’t have to explain why you decided to go on a solo mission, or what you’re doing in Blüdhaven to begin with. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Tim didn’t know why, but the sincerity of those words infuriated him. “You didn’t seem to care back then.” He glared at Dick. “Do you know who were the only people to believe me when I said Bruce was alive? The League of Assassins. Do you want to know what happened to me when I got there?” Dick’s features were unreadable. “I got run right through with a spear. I thought it was the end for me. So, where were you then when I needed you most?“ Tim looked between Dick and Jason. “Where were any of you?”
They turned away from him, the silence crescendoing until it was deafening. As time stretched on, his face grew hotter and hotter. He shouldn’t have said anything. Tim was making it sound like he was needy. That he was owed something from this family. At the end of the day, Tim wasn’t Bruce’s kid. He wasn’t even chosen to be Robin. He’d asked for it. Tim was owed nothing, and in this line of work, he couldn’t expect someone to save him every time.
“Look, forget what I said. You should just call Alfred. I’ll head back to the manor and talk to Bruce about this whole stupid thing.”
“No.” Dick crouched down to his height, his intense gaze meeting Tim’s. “You’re not leaving like this. I’m sorry I never believed you. I’m sorry that I made it feel like you had to carry the weight of the world on your shoulder’s. That wasn’t fair. But what you did—saving Bruce—it’s the reason this family is still standing. Sure, we might not all get along at times, but what family does?”
Tim didn’t know how to answer that. It didn’t feel like he saved the family. He was just doing what felt right at the time. There wasn’t a grander gesture to it. Bruce needed saving, so he did just that. Even if nobody else believed him.
“You figured it out first, Timbo,” Jason added.
He raised a brow. “What?”
Jason crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Everything. Even today, you knew where the warehouse was. You saved those kids. Sure, the Wayne Tech got away, but this wasn’t a failure. You always figure it out, but my question is, how could someone so smart be so incredibly stupid?”
“Jason,” Dick hissed.
“What? It’s true. The kid beats himself up for—what? Not living up to Bruce’s expectations? Bruce can fuck off.”
“Language,” Dick chided.
Jason rolled his eyes and turned to Tim. “Look, kid, I know why you went off alone tonight. We’ve all been there. But proving yourself to that man is useless.”
“What Jason’t trying to say,” Dick cut in, “is that you don’t have anything to prove.”
“I’m not trying to prove anything,” Tim defended.
Jason scoffed. “You’re lying to a group of detectives. It’s not working.”
Tim let out a sound of frustration. He turned away from them.
Dick laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I know it doesn’t mean much coming from me, but I am proud of you.” He paused. “I’m sorry if this family’s made it seem like you’re not important, but we need you more than you think.”
“Why doesn’t it seem like that then?”
“‘Cause we’re idiots,” Jason put it plainly.
Dick sighed. “We get caught up in our own little world’s. Each of us try, but we aren’t perfect. We try to help others, but we’re bad at helping ourselves. Sometimes, that bleeds into those around us. So, we’re sorry.”
“We can make it up to you, though.” Jason smirked.
Tim pulled back. “Am I going to like what you’re about to say?”
“That’s up to you, but before you got kicked off that truck with the stolen Wayne Tech, I might've planted a tracker on it. I know exactly where they’re hiding out.”
“Which means, if you’re willing to let us help you, we can bring down these guys. And you’ll be the one to take lead.”
Tim perked up. Hope bubbled inside him, but he was afraid to give into it. “I don’t know. What if I can’t do it?”
“We trust you.” Dick’s voice was soft, reassuring. “We’ll set up your base here so that you can fight while healing. I know it’s not ideal for you, but—“
“I’ll do it.” Tim paused. “I haven’t been the best brother either, lately. But…I want to get better.”
Dick beamed. “Then let’s start together.”
***
Churches were a place of worship. A haven for those who sought peace. It was a place nobody would suspect foul play. But atop the highest arch of St. Bernadine’s Church, the truth unveiled itself.
Inside the nave, rows upon rows of its seats were filled to the brim with strangers. Each had a vacant look on their faces, bodies motionless, much like a child’s doll upon a shelf.
Dick narrowed his eyes. Hostages, without a doubt. Whoever got their hands on the Wayne Tech was already putting it to use.
“They look like Zombies,” Jason muttered.
“Which means our culprit’s quick at work,” Tim’s voice came over the comms. “We’ve got to get inside and stop whoever is behind the trigger before they rally up these victims.”
Dick frowned. “Question is, what are they planning by controlling a bunch of civilians?”
“Maybe we can ask that guy.” Jason pointed at two figures walking up to a podium at the altar.
One held a brief case, the other was dressed in overflowing white robes. Not men either of them could identify right off the bat.
The figure veiled in the lavish robes extended their arms toward the room. “Welcome, my children. You are all here today for a very special reason. Tonight, we will take Blüdhaven’s heart. You lot will be the vessel’s of my will, a servant to my needs, and agents of chaos. Together, no one will suspect that Bludhaven’s very own veins have been injected by a poison like no other. Not until we have brought this city to its knees.”
Jason scoffed. “Great, we’ve got a poet.”
Dick cracked a smile. “Hey, give the man some credit for his use of imagery.”
“Uh, guys? Maybe we should focus on the bad guy with a God complex.”
Dick pulled out his escrima sticks. “You go for the big shot and I grab the brief case?”
“Aw.” Jason clasped his hands in front of him. “You’re giving me all the fun?”
“If he doesn’t, you’ll just go for him anyways and either a, get yourself killed, or b, jeopardize the whole plan.”
“Mhm. Remind me again, who’s the one who got shot for doing just that?”
“Just shut up and go already.”
Dick chuckled to himself. His family wasn’t perfect—no family was—and while this night proved to be a long one, he was at least glad to see the slivers of a mended relationship forming.
“Alright ladies and gentlefolk,” Dick’s escrima sticks lit up. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
***
Ten minutes. That’s all it took to end their week’s long search.
Tim had been right. These crooks were nothing more than a bunch of instigators trying to stake their claim on Blüdhaven’s criminal underworld to avoid Batman’s careful watch. Problem was, while they did mobilize out of their last hideout, they’d lost a lot of resources. It weakened their ranks and left them vulnerable to their ambush.
But it was almost embarrassing how quickly Dick and Jason took them out compared to his attempt. Dick said he’d take lead on this mission, but once again, Tim felt like he’d taken a back seat. It was grueling, especially, when he got shot over it.
“We don’t have to do this, you know. You can stay at my place for a while.” Dick was looking down at him, the light of the sunrise haloing his hair.
They stood in front of the manor gates. It had taken them longer to get back to Gotham than it had to recover the missing Wayne tech. It was all so stupid, stupid, stupid…
“Tim?” Dick reached for him, his lips pulled into a frown. Him and Jason had come out of the fight without a single scratch. All while Tim was benched. Now he had to face Bruce and explain all of that to his face. What a heroic way to end the night.
“I’m fine.” Tim shrugged Dick’s hand off his shoulder. “I can’t runaway from Bruce forever.”
“It’s not running away if you just need time.”
Tim didn’t want more time to replay all of the evening’s failures in his head. He wanted to get this over with. “It’s okay. Let’s go.”
Dick and Jason walked Tim up the manor steps. While Dick was on solid ground with Bruce, Jason was still butting heads with him. Why he tagged along, Tim wasn’t sure. He assumed it had something to do with Alfred’s cooking.
Tim stood in front of the large double doors for a long minute, silently contemplating everything. Then he sucked in a deep breath and rung the doorbell.
“Master Timothy, you had us worried sick.” Alfred appeared in the doorway, immediately making way for the three of them to step through. There were worry lines etched into his face. The old man had enough to worry about as is. Tim shouldn’t have gone and added more to that pile. But there they were, standing in the empty foyer of the manor, the man’s keen eyes not missing the bandages peaking from beneath his shirt. “Oh my.” He looked to Dick and Jason for an explanation. When none was given, he sighed. “I expect that you two can take him down to the med bay while I finish up here?”
Dick put a hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Sure, Alfie.”
“But—“ Tim started.
Alfred gave him a stern look. “I won’t have any arguing. Now go on. Master Bruce will be expecting you.”
Tim deflated at that.
They made their way down to the cave where Tim was escorted to a cot in the med bay. Dick went to go find Bruce while Jason plopped onto the seat next to the bed, arms crossed, head craning back into the worst napping position possible.
He didn’t understand why they tagged along. Dick and Jason could’ve just dropped him off and that would’ve been it. It was already bad enough that he had to confront Bruce, he didn’t want to do it in front of an audience.
“Where is he?”
Speak of the devil.
Bruce rounded the corner of the med bay. He wasn’t in his suit, but his hair was wet. He must’ve got back from patrol not too long ago if he was just stepping out of the shower. Which meant he was out much later than his usual patrol’s.
The second Bruce locked eyes with Tim, he was making his way toward him.
Tim ground his teeth. “Bruce, I can explain—“ Before he could let out another word, Bruce was wrapping his arms around him. Tim froze.
Bruce pulled away after a few seconds, his features stoney. “You directly defied orders and nearly got yourself killed. What were you thinking?”
Tim’s head hung low. “I wasn’t.”
“No. You weren’t.”
“B,” Dick cut in. “Go easy on him. It’s been a long night.”
Bruce ignored him. “I searched all night for you. Oracle said your tracker was offline. Neither one of you were returning calls. Then I find out a half hour ago that you were shot?”
Tim’s brows knit together. “You searched all night for me?”
“That’s beside the point.”
Jason groaned from where he sat in the corner. “If you’re so worried about the kid, maybe lay off him. After all, he did just solve one of your cases in a single night.”
“Barely,” Tim muttered under his breath.
Bruce’s features pinched. “Boys, can you give us a moment?”
Jason waved his hand flippantly. “Yeah, whatever. I’m starving anyways.” Jason made his way upstairs while Dick lingered for a minute.
“Don’t let him intimidate you.” Dick gave Tim a reassuring smile and then he, too, was gone.
Tim swallowed, but it did nothing to ease how sandpaper dry his throat was. Here it was. The scolding of the century.
Tim braced himself, already preparing to hear his worst case scenarios get played out.
“I’m proud of you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What?”
“What?” Tim wasn’t sure if he heard Bruce right. “Did you just say you’re proud of me?”
“I did.”
“Why?”
To Tim, it was a genuine question, but to Bruce, it made his face fall. Tim didn’t realize what weight only one word could carry. Not until Bruce sighed and sat on the bed beside him.
He took a moment to collect his words. “Ever since you became my Robin, you’ve been incredibly self sufficient. So much so that sometimes I forget to check-in on you. I know you have it under control a lot of the time, but you’re not meant to have so much pressure put on you.”
“I don’t mind.”
“No, you never have. Except, the more you take on, the harder you push yourself.” Bruce paused. “I turned you away from this mission because I was worried that you had too much on your plate. I’ve noticed how hard you’ve been on yourself lately. Failure hits you stronger. Your patience wears thin faster. It’s…concerned me.”
“So, it wasn’t about me not being good enough?”
Bruce’s brows shot up and Tim immediately regretted voicing that thought. “Tim, did you do all of this tonight because you were trying to prove your worth to me?”
Tim could feel the heat rushing to his face. He turned away. “I…No. I just thought—“
“Tim, look at me.”
He reluctantly did, but instead of being met with the same steeliness from earlier, there was softness. “There was never any question about your worth. You have been one of the best partner’s I could ever ask for. You shouldn’t feel the need to prove that to me. I know it seems like I haven’t been around as much because of Damian—I’ll make an active effort to do better—but he’s not your replacement.”
Tim didn’t know whether he was relieved or terrified at hearing that. What if Bruce was saying this now, but took it all back later? Tim always knew he was on borrowed time. All it took was one mess up for his world to come crashing down.
Bruce saw the doubt on Tim’s face and rested a hand on his shoulder. “What you did tonight was dangerous, but you solved a case that saved many lives. You’re a valuable part of the team…” Bruce paused. “You’re valuable to me. I’ll keep saying that until you see it. I’m sorry that my methods add so much pressure on you to perform without a fault, but we’re all human. We make mistakes, and that’s okay.”
“So…you’re not mad at me for tonight?”
“Oh, you’re benched for the next few weeks until your wound heals, plus some.” Tim groaned. “But…I’m glad you’re here.”
Tim understood the unspoken words. Here. It was a double entendre. I’m glad you’re alive. I’m glad you’re next to me right now. That’s what Bruce was saying.
Maybe he did have it all wrong in his head. After all, hadn’t this night only proved how much his family cared for him? When he got shot, Jason saved him. He removed the bullet while Dick fretted over him. They helped him take down the bad guys and made sure he got the credit for leading the mission. Jason and Dick, who were upstairs right now instead of home because…because they were worried about him. Even Jason, who liked to pretend his family didn’t exist.
Then there was Bruce. Bruce, who spent all night searching for him. Bruce who greeted him with a hug before scolding him because he was terrified for his safety.
His family did care for him. More than he thought. And that thought in itself eased him.
For the first time tonight, Tim smiled. “I’m glad too.”
Bruce got up. “You’ll have to spend the night in the med bay. I won’t hear any complaints about it. But I’m sure Dick and Jason will be more than happy to keep you company.”
“Jason saved my life, you know.”
Bruce’s gaze went distant for a moment. “I’ll be sure to thank him.” He took a step forward then stopped. “It’s nice to see you and Dick talking again. We all need people in our lives that we can lean on.”
“Even the dark knight?”
“Especially, the dark knight.”
When Bruce was gone, Tim lay back on the cot, trying to ignore the throbbing in his side. It probably hadn’t been a good idea to walk as much as he had, but what could he say? He was stubborn.
I’m proud of you. Huh.
This night turned out nothing like he’d expected. But as he lay there in the silence of the cave, everything felt right. Sure, he’d been shot and nearly died a few hours ago, but it hadn’t been for nothing. He’d succeeded in his mission and, mostly importantly, he proved himself wrong.
He spent all this time believing that he had to earn his spot at Batman’s side when in reality, he’d already earned it. Not just at Batman’s side, but he’d earned his spot as a hero. He was allowed to take up space and nobody could rob him of that. He’d proved that time and time again.
But what made it all worth while was having a team at his side to lift him up when he needed it. He never thought he’d talk to Dick again. Hell, he thought Jason would’ve preferred him dead. Prior to tonight, Tim had only the broken shards of his family, but looking at the pieces now, with a little bit of effort, he could mend them into something whole. Sure, there were cracks, but nothing’s ever meant to stay perfect all the time. Besides, those cracks might turn into something beautiful.
“Yo, Timbo, you up for a game of Uno?”
“Oh come on,” Dick grumbled. “You always cheat at Uno.”
“It’s not cheating if I never get caught.”
“That’s like saying something isn’t illegal just because nobody is there to witness it!”
“Exactly.”
Tim chuckled. He was looking forward to that.